Fact Check: Energy drinks are bad for teenagers’ health!

The Viral Claim

"Energy drinks are bad for teens’ health." For energy drinks to be popular and "unintentionally" targeted toward children, their audience is predominantly teenagers, and we start to see the negative effects of the caffeine and sugars overconsumed by teenagers. Energy drinks have been popularized for their stimulating effects; boost in energy, increase in alertness and attention. So, with teenagers drinking this drink primarily for schooling and extracurricular activities, the immoderate usage of this drink poses risks to teenage health.

Where Does This Claim Appear

Johns Hopkins Medicine – "Energy Drinks and Kids" - Written by the John Hopkins Medicine Team

UCLA Health – "For kids and teens, energy drinks may have harmful side effects” - Written by Michael C. Garcia, MD an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine

Science Daily - “Marketing of energy drinks placed on TV channels that appeal to teens” - Written by the Norris Cotton Cancer Center Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

The American Academy of Pediatrics - “Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?” - Written by Marcie Beth Schneider, MD; Holly J. Benjamin, MD

They’ve written this to inform the parents, teachers, and health educators, about general, but most of all, teen health and to provide medical guidance. The claim has gained a great bit of traction on social media, school discussions, and other health websites. And it’s been a hot topic since the early 2000’s. With that being said, this research is more protective and cautious than neutral. Looks to avoid the stance of the drinks rather than ‘moderate usage’.

This Is Important Because...

Teenagers, parents, teachers, and medical staff are all at risk of dealing with a dangerous wound. Teenagers are most sensitive to the caffeine and stimulants included with energy drinks, and they are the drinks’ main audience. There are not so many cautions labelled on energy drinks, rather advertised as something that is guaranteed to help the child. This leads to the downplay of the dangerous injuries the drinks pose to teens.

Why May Some Oppose

The articles listed focus heavily on the risks rather than leveling the argument with other perspectives. For example, some may propose that not all energy drinks have the same sugar or caffeine levels. Or what’s too much? 1 can of energy drink or 5? What’s an ok amount to drink that doesn’t pose much of a problem?

So, What Could Be Misunderstood From This Claim

Figures of authority for teenagers may stress from incomplete information regarding this topic. And say if energy drinks do happen to get banned for teens, they may resort to another source, possibly a more dangerous, stimulatory substance. What readers should prioritize is reading throughout the whole thing and not taking things at face-value. Listen to experts and surveillance usage of energy drinks.

The Fact

It’s TRUE!

Credible research overwhelmingly shows that energy drinks pose health risks for teens and young adults, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sleep disruption, and anxiety. While occasional low-caffeine consumption may not be dangerous for everyone, the general claim that energy drinks are harmful, ESPECIALLY for teenagers, is supported by strong scientific evidence.

Bottom Line

Marketing strategies also disproportionately target adolescents. However, the researchers should have provided balanced perspectives and highlighted that risks vary depending on ingredients and consumption levels as this is a generalized claim.

 

Deeper Dive

Interested in learning more? Look at our analysis; it shows the entire process.

Energy drinks Report.docx

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Reference For Claims GP - Energy Drinks.docx

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